Firing system for a crossbow

ABSTRACT

A firing system for a crossbow includes a bowstring carrier and a trigger assembly. The bowstring carrier includes a sear and a catch. The trigger assembly includes a trigger and a trigger roller. An embodiment of the firing system includes a bowstring carrier, a trigger assembly, and a dry-fire inhibitor. Another embodiment of the firing system includes a bowstring carrier, a trigger assembly, and a safety. Yet another embodiment of the firing system includes a bowstring carrier, a trigger assembly, a dry-fire inhibitor, a safety, and a safety reset.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/883,411 filed Aug. 6, 2019, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains to a firing system for a crossbow.

BACKGROUND

Numerous firing systems having one or more embodiments of bowstringcarriers, trigger assemblies, dry-fire inhibitor, safeties, and safetyresets are disclosed in one or more of the following patents and patentapplication publications which are herein incorporated by reference intheir entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,977,952, 3,057,101, 3,483,857,3,490,429, 3,537,441, 3,538,901, 4,192,281, 4,693,228, 4,721,092,4,877,008, 5,085,200, 5,170,771, 5,365,911, 5,596,976, 5,598,829,5,649,520, 5,884,614, 6,205,990, 6,736,123, 6,802,304, 7,588,022,7,770,567, 8,020,543, 8,091,540, 8,453,631, 8,578,916, 8,651,094,9,010,308, 9,097,485, 9,140,516, 9,255,758, 9,354,018, 9,435,605,9,494,380, 9,506,715, 9,523,549, 9,551,544, 9,557,134, 9,689,638,9,726,454, 9,733,041, 9,909,832, 9,958,232, 10,066,894, 10,077,965,10,126,088, 10,197,354, 10,247,507, 10,401,117, 10,508,884, 10,605,555,10,677,558, US 2004/0194771, US 2006/0144381, US 2011/0253118, US2014/0182573, US 2014/0182574, US 2015/0143731, US 2017/0115089, US2017/0131058, US 2017/0131059, US 2019/0226794, and WO 2017-083505 amongothers.

SUMMARY

A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a firing system for a crossbowincludes a bowstring carrier and a trigger assembly. The bowstringcarrier includes a sear operable between cocked and un-cocked positions,and a catch operable between locked and un-locked positions. The searand the catch are operatively coupled. The sear is biased towards theun-cocked position and the catch is biased towards the un-lockedposition. The trigger assembly includes a trigger operable betweencocked and un-cocked positions and a trigger roller. The trigger and thetrigger roller are operatively coupled, and the trigger is biasedtowards the cocked position.

Another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a firing system for acrossbow includes a bowstring carrier, a trigger assembly, and adry-fire inhibitor. The bowstring carrier includes a sear operablebetween cocked and un-cocked positions and a catch operable betweenlocked and un-locked positions. The sear and the catch are operativelycoupled. The sear is biased towards the un-cocked position and the catchis biased towards the un-locked position. The trigger assembly includesa trigger operable between cocked and un-cocked positions and a triggerroller. The trigger and the trigger roller are operatively coupled, thetrigger is biased towards the cocked position, and the trigger rollerand the sear are operatively coupled when the bowstring carrier with thecocked sear is at the proximal end of the crossbow. The dry-fireinhibitor is operable between activated and de-activated positions, andis biased towards the activated position.

Yet another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a firing system for acrossbow includes a bowstring carrier and a trigger assembly. Thebowstring carrier includes a sear operable between cocked and un-cockedpositions, a catch operable between locked and un-locked positions, anda safety operable between activated and de-activated positions. The searand the catch are operatively coupled. The sear is biased towards theun-cocked position, and the catch is biased towards the un-lockedposition. The trigger assembly includes a trigger operable betweencocked and un-cocked positions and a trigger roller. The trigger and thetrigger roller are operatively coupled, the trigger is biased towardsthe cocked position, and the trigger roller and the sear are operativelycoupled when the bowstring carrier with the cocked sear is at theproximal end of the crossbow.

Another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a firing system for acrossbow includes a bowstring carrier, a trigger assembly, a dry-fireinhibitor, a safety, and a safety reset. The bowstring carrier includesa sear operable between cocked and un-cocked positions and a catchoperable between locked and un-locked positions. The sear and the catchare operatively coupled. The sear is biased towards the un-cockedposition and the catch is biased towards the un-locked position. Thetrigger assembly includes a trigger operable between cocked andun-cocked positions and a trigger roller. The trigger and the triggerroller are operatively coupled, and the trigger is biased towards thecocked position. The trigger roller and the sear are operatively coupledwhen the bowstring carrier with the cocked sear is at the proximal endof the crossbow. The dry-fire inhibitor is operable between activatedand de-activated positions and is biased towards the activated position.The safety is operable between activated and de-activated positions. Thesafety reset is configured for operating the safety between theactivated and de-activated positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a firingsystem of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment ofa bowstring carrier for the firing system of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 2B is another perspective view of the bowstring carrier illustratedin FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the bowstring carrier illustratedin FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 3B is another cross-sectional view of the bowstring carrierillustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 3C is yet another cross-sectional view of the bowstring carrierillustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the bowstring carrier illustratedin FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 3E is another cross-sectional view of the bowstring carrierillustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment ofa trigger assembly for the firing system of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 4B is another perspective view of the trigger assembly illustratedin FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a side view of the trigger assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4Aand 4B;

FIG. 4D is another side view of the trigger assembly illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4C;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the operatively coupled bowstring carrier andtrigger assembly of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment ofa safety reset for the firing system of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 6B is another perspective view of the safety reset illustrated inFIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a side view of the safety reset illustrated in FIGS. 6A and6B;

FIG. 7 illustrates a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a dry-fireinhibitor for the firing system of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment ofa crossbow equipped with an embodiment of the firing system of theinstant disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a side view of the crossbow illustrated in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the relevant portions of the crossbowillustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B;

FIG. 9B is another perspective view of the relevant portions of thecrossbow illustrated in FIG. 9A; and

FIG. 9C is a side view of the relevant portions of the crossbowillustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more non-limiting exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicatelike, but not necessarily identical, elements. It should be clearlyunderstood that the embodiments described with reference to the drawingsare merely exemplary in that any one or more of them may be implementedin alternative manner as may become apparent to a person of ordinaryskills. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Specific structuraland/or functional features and details disclosed herein are not to beconstrued as limiting but should rather be treated as a basis forteaching one of ordinary skills. There is no intent, implied orotherwise, to limit the disclosure in any way, shape or form to theembodiments illustrated and described herein. Accordingly, all variantsfor providing structures and/or functionalities similar to thosedescribed herein for the exemplary embodiments are considered as beingwithin the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a firingsystem 10 of the instant disclosure. In some embodiments, the firingsystem 10 includes a bowstring carrier 12 and a trigger assembly 14.

FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, are perspective views of a non-limitingexemplary embodiment of the bowstring carrier 12. FIGS. 3A-3E arevarious cross-sectional views of the bowstring carrier 12.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bowstring carrier 12includes a sear 16 and a catch 18. In some embodiments, the sear 16 isoperable between a cocked position 20 illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3E andan un-cocked position 22 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In certainembodiments, the catch 18 is operable between a locked position 24illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3E and an un-locked position 26 illustratedin FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3D. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, in some embodiments,the sear 16 is biased towards the un-cocked position 22, and the catch18 is biased towards the un-locked position 26. In certain embodiments,the catch 18 is configured for receiving a bowstring (not shown) in thedirection 28.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the sear 16 and the catch 18 areoperatively coupled for receiving, retaining, and releasing thebowstring. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, as the bowstring is displaced inthe direction 28 against the surface 30 of the catch 18, the catch 18rotates in the direction 32 about the pivot 34. The end 36 of the catch18 is displaced in the direction 38 around the bowstring, and the end 40of the catch 18 is displaced in the direction 42 along a surface 44 ofthe sear 16. As the end 40 of the catch 18 displaces in the direction42, the sear 16 rotates in the direction 46 about the pivot 48 wherebythe tip 50 of the sear 16 is displaced in the direction opposite thedirection 42. The end 40 of the catch 18 and the tip 50 of the sear 16displace in opposite directions until the end 40 of the catch 18 reachesthe peak of the tip 50 of the sear 16. Thereafter, the end 40 of thecatch 18 “trips” or “falls” over the peak of the tip 50 of the sear 16whereby the sear 16 rotates in the direction opposite the direction 46and the catch 18 rotates in the direction opposite the direction 32until the sear 16 and the catch 18 latch as illustrated in FIGS. 3C and3E. As shown, the sear 16 is in the cocked position 20 and the catch 18is in the locked position 24 around the bowstring.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bowstring carrier 12includes a biasing element 52 interacting with the sear 16, and abiasing element 54 interacting with the catch 18. In some embodiments,such as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the biasing element 52 biases the sear16 towards the un-cocked position 22, and the biasing element 54 biasesthe catch 18 towards the un-locked position 26. In certain embodiments,the biasing elements 52 and 54, respectively, are configured or balancedfor retaining the sear 16 cocked and catch 18 locked around thebowstring, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, until an external force 56 appliedproximate an end 58 of the sear 16 un-cocks the sear 16 and/or un-locksthe catch 18. In some embodiments, the sear 16 and the catch 18 havecomplementary geometries cooperating with the biasing elements 52 and 56for ensuring the sear 16 remains cocked and the catch 18 remains lockeduntil the external force 56 is applied.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the external force 56 appliedproximate the end 58 of the cocked sear 16 rotates the sear 16 in thedirection 46 about the pivot 48 whereby the tip 50 of the sear 16 isdisplaced in the direction opposite the direction 42. The end 40 of thecatch 18 is displaced over the tip 50 of the sear 16 un-locking thecatch 18 whereby the end 36 of the catch 18 is displaced opposite thedirection 38 exposing the bowstring.

In some embodiments, the biasing element 54 urges or rotates the lockedcatch 18 about the pivot 34 in the direction opposite the direction 32.In certain embodiments, the un-locking of the catch 18 is aided by atleast some force exerted proximate the end 36 by a drawn bowstring heldby the locked catch 18.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the trigger assembly 14 isconfigured for exerting the force 56 for un-cocking the sear 16,un-locking the catch 18, and firing the bowstring held by the lockedcatch 18. FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an exemplary triggerassembly 14, and FIGS. 4C and 4D are side views thereof. In someembodiments, the trigger assembly 14 includes a trigger 60, a triggerroller 62, and a link member 66 operatively coupling the trigger 60 andthe trigger roller 62. In some embodiments, the trigger 60 is operablebetween a cocked position 68 shown in FIG. 4C and an un-cocked position70 shown in FIG. 4D. In certain embodiments, the trigger assembly 14includes a biasing element 72 which biases the trigger 60 in the cockedposition 68 shown in FIG. 4C.

When the cocked trigger 60 is pulled, for example in the direction 74,the trigger 60 rotates about the pivot 76 causing the link member 66 todisplace in the direction opposite the direction 74 whereby the rollerarm 78 and the trigger roller 62 rotate in the direction 80 about thepivot 82, and the trigger 60 is un-cocked as shown in FIG. 4D. Then,when the un-cocked trigger 60 is released, the biasing element 72 causesthe trigger 60, the link member 66, the roller arm 78, and the triggerroller 62 to move or displace in the direction opposite the directioneach component moved when the trigger 60 was pulled, and the trigger 60returns to the cocked position 68 shown in FIG. 4C.

FIG. 5 illustrates a non-limiting exemplary embodiment wherein thebowstring carrier 12 and the trigger assembly 14 are operatively coupledwith the sear 16 and the trigger 60 in their respective cocked positions20 and 68, and the catch 18 in the locked position 24 around a drawnbowstring (not shown). It will be apparent to one skilled in the artthat FIG. 5 represents an embodiment described in further detail belowwherein the bowstring carrier 12 with the catch 18 locked around thebowstring has been fully retracted in the proximal direction towards theuser, and the bowstring carrier 12 and the trigger assembly 14 are heldabutting each other, as shown, with the bowstring fully drawn. The sear16 in the cocked position 20 and the trigger roller 62 with the trigger62 cocked 68 abut, and are operatively coupled, along a surface 64 ofthe sear 16.

As described in the foregoing with reference to FIGS. 4C and 4D, whenthe trigger 60 is pulled, the trigger roller 62 rotates in the direction80 along the surface 64 of the sear 16 and applies the force 56 to thesear 16 in the cocked position 20. The force 56, as described in theforegoing, causes the sear 16 to rotate to the un-cocked position 22whereby the catch 18 rotates to the un-locked position 26 releasing thebowstring.

From the foregoing, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in theart, that the sear 16 must be in the cocked position 20 in order for thecatch 18 to un-lock to release the bowstring. It will also be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art that if the sear 16 is not cockedwhen the bowstring carrier 12 is retracted in the proximal directiontowards the user, and end 58 of the sear 16 will abut the trigger roller62 and stop the movement of the bowstring carrier 12 in the proximaldirection towards the user inhibiting the sear 16 and the trigger roller62 from being operatively coupled.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the firing system 10 includes asafety 84 operable between a de-activated position 86 illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3C and an activated position 88 illustrated in FIGS. 3D and 3E.In some embodiments, the safety 84 includes a ledge or a shoulder 90 onthe safety lever 92.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the safety 84 when in thede-activated position 86 such as that illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3Bpermits un-hindered rotation of the sear 16 in the direction 46 aroundthe pivot 48 enabling the catch 18 to rotate in the direction 32 aroundthe pivot 34 until the catch 18 locks around the bowstring and the sear18 cocks as shown in FIG. 3C. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment,when the safety 84 is in the activated position 88, a ledge or shoulder90 on the safety lever 92 of the safety 84 and a plateau 94 on the sear16 abut, as shown in FIG. 3D, to prevent the sear 16 from being cockedby impeding the sear 16 from continuing its rotation in the direction 46around the pivot 48 whereby the catch 18 is hindered from completing itsrotation in the direction 32 around the pivot 34 and the catch 18 isinhibited from locking around the bowstring. Accordingly, as will beapparent to one skilled in the art, the safety 84 must always be in thede-activated position 86 for the catch 18 to lock around the bowstringand for the sear 16 to cock.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the safety 84 when in thede-activated position 86 such as illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 5 permitsthe sear 16 to un-cock and the catch 18 to un-lock when the trigger 60is pulled and the force 56, as described in the foregoing with referenceto FIGS. 4C and 4D, is applied proximate the end 58 of the cocked sear16. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, when the safety 84 is in theactivated position 88, the ledge or shoulder 90 on the safety lever 92of the safety 84 and the plateau 94 on the cocked sear 16 abut, as shownin FIG. 3E, to prevent the sear 16 from un-cocked and the catch 18 fromun-locking when the trigger 60 is pulled and the force 56, as describedin the foregoing with reference to FIGS. 4C and 4D, is applied proximatethe end 58 of the cocked sear 16. Accordingly, as will be apparent toone skilled in the art, the safety 84 must always be in the activatedposition 88 for the sear 16 to un-cock and the catch 18 to unlock. Tothat end, the safety 84 is configured for being activated andde-activated manually by the user.

As described in the foregoing, the safety 84 must be de-activated forthe catch 18 to lock around the bowstring in order to draw thebowstring, and the sear 16 must be cocked and the safety 84 must bede-activate in order to pull the trigger 60 and release the drawnbowstring. Generally, the bowstring, after being released from the catch18, will be at a location distal or downrange from the user, and thebowstring carrier 12 must be moved to the bowstring with the safety 84de-activated for the catch 18 to lock around the bowstring. Then, as the“captured” bowstring is drawn by retracting the bowstring carrier 12 inthe proximal direction towards the user, it would be advantageous toactivate the safety 84 to inhibit the trigger 60 from being pulled, forexample, accidently.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the firing system 10 includes asafety reset 96 for respectively activating and de-activating the safety84 when the bowstring carrier 12 is retracted to draw the bowstring andwhen the bowstring carrier 12 is moved or displaced in the distaldirection to “capture” the bowstring in the catch 18. FIGS. 6A and 6Bare perspective views and FIG. 6C is a side view of a non-limitingexemplary embodiment of the safety reset 96. In some embodiments, thesafety reset 96 is configured for activating and de-activating thesafety 84 as the bowstring carrier 12 is displaced across the safetyreset 96. To that end, in certain embodiments, the safety reset 96includes a reset lever 98 configured for interacting with the safetylever 92 as the bowstring carrier 12 is displaced across the safetyreset 96.

In some embodiments, as the bowstring carrier 12 is moved from aproximal side to a distal side of the safety reset 96, the reset lever98 sufficiently obstructs the movement of the safety lever 92 across thesafety reset 96 so that the safety 84 is de-activated whereby the catch18 is enabled to “capture” the bowstring on the distal side of thesafety reset 96.

In certain embodiments, as the bowstring carrier 12 is retracted in theproximal direction to draw the bowstring captured in the catch 18, thebowstring carrier 12 moves from the distal side to the proximal side ofthe safety reset 96 and the reset lever 98 sufficiently obstructs themovement of the safety lever 92 across the safety reset 96 so that thesafety 84 is activated whereby the trigger 60 is inhibited from beingpulled accidently until the safety 84 is de-activated.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the reset lever 98 is configuredas a biasing element to “give” or deflect and yet exert sufficient forceon the safety lever 92 to activate or de-activate the safety 84 as thebowstring carrier 12 moves across the safety reset 96.

In another non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the safety reset 96includes a biasing element 100 configured for interacting with the resetlever 98. In some embodiments, the biasing element 100 is configured topermit the reset lever 98 to “give” or deflect and yet allow the resetlever 98 to exert sufficient force on the safety lever 92 to activate orde-activate the safety 84 as the bowstring carrier 12 moves across thesafety reset 96.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the firing system 10 does nothave the safety reset 96. In some exemplary embodiments, the useractivates and de-activates the safety 84. In a non-limiting exemplaryembodiment, the safety reset 96 is configured as an “obstructionelement” with or without biasing properties such as, for example, aprotrusion or a bar (e.g., dowel) extending across the width of thecenter rail 122 or a bulge or the head of a bolt, etc.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the catch 18 activates andde-activates the safety. In some exemplary embodiments, the catch 18 andthe safety 84 are operatively coupled. In certain exemplary embodiments,if the safety 84 is in the activated position 88, the un-locked catch 18first de-activates the safety 84 before locking around the bowstring. Ofcourse, if the safety 84 is already de-activated, then the catch 18 doesnot need to de-activate the safety 84 before locking around thebowstring.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the safety 84 does not includethe safety lever 92. In some exemplary embodiments, the safety 84 andthe safety reset 96 interact or operate cooperatively to activate andde-activate the safety 84 as the bowstring carrier 12 moves across orover the safety reset 96.

Because, as described in the foregoing, the safety 84 must bede-activated before the trigger 60 can to pulled to release the drawnbowstring held by the catch 18, it will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art that the safety 84, most likely, will be in thede-activated position 86 as it traverses or is moved or displaced fromthe proximal side to the distal side of the safety reset 96. Therefore,in some exemplary embodiments, the safety reset 96 ensures or makescertain that the safety 84 is in fact de-activated just in case it wasactivated deliberately by the user and/or accidently got activated.

As is well known in the art, dry-firing a bow, i.e., releasing a drawnbowstring without a nocked arrow or bolt to absorb the released energy,can be dangerous to the user and/or damage the equipment. In anon-limiting exemplary embodiment, the firing system 10 includes adry-fire inhibitor 102 configured to “capture” or “arrest” a drawnbowstring released without a nocked bolt or arrow. In some embodiments,the dry-fire inhibitor 102 includes a biasing element 104 configured tobias the dry-fire inhibitor 102 “upright” or in an activated position106 to capture the drawn bowstring if released without a nocked bolt orarrow. FIG. 3C illustrates one such exemplary embodiment wherein thesear 16 is cocked, the catch 18 is locked about a drawn bowstring (notshown), the safety 84 is de-activated, and the dry-fire inhibitor 102 isactivated since an arrow or bolt has not been nocked onto the drawnbowstring. As will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and asdescribed in the foregoing, the drawn bowstring, without the nocked boltor arrow, will be released if the trigger 60 is accidently ordeliberately pulled. As will also be apparent to one skilled in the art,the released bowstring will be immediately “arrested” or “captured” or“stopped” at the surface 108 of the upright or activated dry-fireinhibitor 102. With the safety 84 in the de-activated position 86, theuser may then advance or move the bowstring carrier 12 towards thedry-fire inhibitor 102 to “grab” the bowstring and lock the catch 18around the bowstring. The bowstring carrier 12 can then be retracted inthe proximal direction to again fully draw the bowstring.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the dry-fire inhibitor 102 isconfigured to rotate or bias out of the path of the drawn bowstring whenan arrow or bolt is nocked. FIG. 7 illustrates one such exemplaryembodiment, albeit without a nocked arrow or bolt, wherein the sear 16is cocked, the catch 18 is locked about a drawn bowstring (not shown),the safety 84 is de-activated, and the dry-fire inhibitor 102 is in ade-activated position 110. As will be apparent to one skilled in theart, the dry-fire inhibitor 102 will be de-activated by the shaft (notshown) of the nocked arrow or bolt (not shown) in the groove 112 of thebowstring carrier 12. Then, when the trigger 60 is accidently ordeliberately pulled, the bowstring will be released from the catch 18,and the nocked arrow or bolt will be propelled downrange. Of course, thebiasing element 104 is configured to ensure that the dry-fire inhibitor102 remains de-activated for a sufficient amount of time to inhibit thebowstring from being prematurely captured or arrested by the dry-fireinhibitor 102.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the biasing element 104 is atorsion spring. In some embodiments, the biasing element 104 is not aspring. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the dry-fire inhibitor102 does not include the biasing element 104. In some embodiments, thedry-fire inhibitor 102 itself is a biasing element configured for beingin the activated position 106 in the absence of a nocked arrow or bolts,and in the de-activated position 110 in the presence of a nocked arrowor bolt. Any and all other alternatives providing the requiredfunctionality are considered as being within the metes and bounds ofthis disclosure.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the end 40 of the catch 18includes a roller configured for rotating as the end 40 is displacedalong the surface 44 of the sear 16. In some embodiments, the end 44 ofthe catch 18 is rounded or curved. In certain embodiments, the surface44 of the sear 16 includes a groove or a channel configured as a guideor track along which the end 40 moves. In some embodiments, the end 40of the sear 16 and the surface 44 of the sear 16 are substantiallysmooth or slippery to permit their un-hindered movement against eachother. In certain embodiments, the end 40 of the sear and the surface 44of the sear 16 are configured to minimize or eliminate frictiontherebetween as they move or slide against each other.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the trigger roller 62 isconfigured for rotating along the surface 64 of the sear 16. In someembodiments, the trigger assembly 14 includes a rounded or curved end orsurface instead of the trigger roller 62. In certain embodiments, thesurface 64 of the sear 16 includes a groove or a channel configured as aguide or track along which the trigger roller 62 rotates oralternatively along which the rounded or curved end or surface of thetrigger assembly 14 moves. In some embodiments, the rounded or curvedend of the trigger assembly 14 and the surface 64 of the sear 16 aresubstantially smooth or slippery to permit their un-hindered movementagainst each other. In certain embodiments, the rounded or curved end ofthe trigger assembly 14 and the surface 64 of the sear 16 are configuredto minimize or eliminate friction therebetween as they move or slideagainst each other.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bowstring carrier 12includes a housing 114. In some embodiments, the sear 16 and the catch18 are disposed or housed within the housing 114. In a non-limitingexemplary embodiment, the safety 84 is disposed or housed within thehousing 114. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the dry-fireinhibitor 102 is disposed or housed within the housing 114. In anon-limiting exemplary embodiment, the sear 16, the catch 18, the safety84, and the dry-fire inhibitor 102 are disposed or housed within thehousing 114. In some embodiments, the safety 84 is external of thehousing 114. In certain embodiments, the dry-fire inhibitor 102 isexternal of the housing 114. In some embodiments, the safety 84 and thedry-fire inhibitor 102 are external of the housing 114.

FIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively, are perspective and side views of anon-limiting exemplary embodiment of a crossbow 116 equipped with anexemplary embodiment of the firing system 10 of the instant disclosure.FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views and FIG. 9C is a side view of therelevant portions of the crossbow 116 to which the firing system 10 iscoupled with or attached to or installed on.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the crossbow 116 includes a pairof substantially parallel rails 118 a and 118 b extending between theproximal and distal ends of the crossbow 114. In some embodiments, therails 118 are cylindrical shaped, i.e., have a circular cross-section.In certain embodiments, the rails 118 have an oval or oblongcross-section. In some embodiments, the rails 118 have a triangularcross-section. In some embodiments, the rails 118 have a polygon shapedcross-section. Any and all other geometries for the rails 118 that areor may become apparent to a person of ordinary skill are considered aswithin the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bowstring carrier 12 isslidably coupled to the rails 118 and configured for being displacedalong the rails 118 between the proximal and distal ends of the crossbow116. In some embodiments, the housing 114 has an external complementarysurface 120 a and 120 b for slidably coupling the bowstring carrier 12between the rails 118. In certain embodiments (not shown), the rails 118extend through an interior of the bowstring carrier 12.

In some embodiments, the crossbow 116 includes a center rail 122extending between the proximal and distal ends of the crossbow 116. In anon-limiting exemplary embodiment (not shown), the bowstring carrier 12is slidably coupled to the center rail 122 and configured for beingdisplaced along the center rail 122 between the proximal and distal endsof the crossbow 116. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, thecross-section of the center rail 122 is any one of circular, oval,oblong, polygonal, and any and all other geometries that are or maybecome apparent to a person of ordinary skill. In some embodiments, thehousing 114 has an external complementary surface for slidably couplingthe bowstring carrier 12 and the center rail 122 to each other. Incertain embodiments (not shown), the center rail 122 extends through aninterior of the bowstring carrier 12.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the trigger assembly 14 isfixedly attached to the center rail 122 proximate the proximal end 124of the center rail 122. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, thesafety reset 96 is fixedly attached to the center rail 122 in the pathof the bowstring carrier 12 as it moves between the proximal and distalends of the crossbow 116.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bowstring carrier 12 and thetrigger assembly 14 are discrete components configured for abuttingagainst each other. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, thebowstring carrier 12 and the trigger assembly 14 are discrete componentsconfigured for being removably attached to each other. In a non-limitingexemplary embodiment, the bowstring carrier 12 and the trigger assembly14 are discrete components fixedly attached to each other. In anon-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bowstring carrier 12 and thetrigger assembly 14 are a unitary component.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the crossbow 116 includes aretractor 126 configured for drawing the bowstring locked in the catch18 by retracting or pulling the bowstring carrier 12 toward or to theproximal end of the crossbow 116. In a non-limiting exemplaryembodiment, the retractor 126 is a winch such as the non-limitingexemplary embodiments disclosed in Applicant's co-pending patentapplication number PCT/US19/55159 which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the retractor 126 includes oneor more straps and/or one or more cables having an end attached to thebowstring carrier 12. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, rotating acrank or handle 128 of the retractor 126 in a first direction pulls onthe straps and/or the cables to retract or displace the bowstringcarrier 12 towards the proximal end of the crossbow 116. In certainembodiments, retracting or pulling the bowstring carrier 12 draws thebowstring locked in the catch 18. In some embodiments, the retractor 126pulls on the bowstring carrier 12 until it abuts a housing 130 of thetrigger assembly 14. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, theretractor 126 holds or retains the bowstring carrier 12 with the drawnbowstring abutting the housing 130 of the trigger assembly 14 proximatethe proximal end of the crossbow 116.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, rotating the crank or handle 128of the retractor 126 in a second direction opposite the first directionunwinds the straps and/or the cables from the retractor 126. If thebowstring carrier 12, more specifically the catch 18, no longer holdsthe bowstring, i.e., after the bowstring has been released, unwindingthe straps and/or the cables from the retractor 126 creates a slack inthe straps and/or the cables which then enables the user to manuallydisplace or move the bowstring carrier 12 towards the bowstring forlocking the catch 18 around the bowstring. If the drawn bowstring isstill held or locked in the catch 18, then unwinding the straps and/orthe cables enables or permits or provides for controlled movement ordisplacement of the bowstring carrier 12 towards the distal end of thecrossbow 116 under the influence of the energy stored in the limbs ofthe crossbow 116 and/or the force of the drawn bowstring.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the retractor 126 retracts orpulls the bowstring carrier 12 to the proximal end of the crossbow 116for being removably attached to the trigger assembly 14 at the proximalend of the crossbow 116. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, theretractor 126 retracts or pulls the bowstring carrier 12 to the proximalend of the crossbow 116 for being fixedly attached to the triggerassembly 14 at the proximal end of the crossbow 116. In a non-limitingexemplary embodiment, the retractor 126 retracts or pulls the bowstringcarrier 12 to the proximal end of the crossbow 116 for being removablyattached to the rails 118 at the proximal end of the crossbow 116. In anon-limiting exemplary embodiment, the retractor 126 retracts or pullsthe bowstring carrier 12 to the proximal end of the crossbow 116 forbeing fixedly attached to the rails 118 at the proximal end of thecrossbow 116. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the retractor 126retracts or pulls the bowstring carrier 12 to the proximal end of thecrossbow 116 for being removably attached to the center rail 122 at theproximal end of the crossbow 116. In a non-limiting exemplaryembodiment, the retractor 126 retracts or pulls the bowstring carrier 12to the proximal end of the crossbow 116 for being fixedly attached tothe center rail 122 at the proximal end of the crossbow 116. In anon-limiting exemplary embodiment, the retractor 126 retracts or pullsthe bowstring carrier 12 to the proximal end of the crossbow 116 forbeing removably and/or fixedly attached to one or more of the triggerassembly 14, the rails 118 and the center rail 122 at the proximal endof the crossbow 116.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the straps and/or the cables ofthe retractor 126 extend through the housing 128 of the trigger assembly14.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the crossbow 116 includes aretractor (not shown) having one or more straps and/or one or morecables having ends configured for being removably attached to thebowstring prior to drawing the bowstring and for being detached from thebowstring after the bowstring has been drawn and locked in the catch 18of the bowstring carrier 12. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment,rotating the crank or handle of the retractor in a first direction pullson the straps and/or the cables to retract or displace the bowstringtowards the catch 18 of the bowstring carrier 12. Once the catch 18 islocked around the bowstring, the straps and/or the cables can bedetached from the bowstring.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, rotating the crank or handle ofthe retractor in a second direction opposite the first direction unwindsthe straps and/or the cables from the retractor. If the bowstringcarrier 12, more specifically the catch 18, no longer holds thebowstring, i.e., after the bowstring has been released, unwinding thestraps and/or the cables from the retractor creates a slack which thenenables the user to attach the straps and/or cables to the releasedbowstring. If the drawn bowstring is still held or locked in the catch18, then unwinding the straps or the cables enables or permits orprovides for controlled movement or displacement of the drawn bowstringtowards the distal end of the crossbow 116 under the influence of theenergy stored in the limbs of the crossbow 116 and/or the force of thedrawn bowstring.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, one or both biasing elements 54and 56 are compression springs. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment,one or both biasing elements 54 and 56 are expansion springs. It will beapparent to one skilled in the art that the location and/or theconfiguration of the biasing elements 54 and 56 is not limited to thoseillustrated.

In view thereof, modified and/or alternate configurations of thenon-limiting exemplary embodiments illustrated and described herein maybecome apparent or obvious to one of ordinary skill. All such variationsare considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instantdisclosure. For instance, while reference may have been made toparticular feature(s) and/or function(s), this disclosure is consideredto also encompass any and all equivalents providing functionalitiessimilar to those described herein with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. Accordingly, the spirit, scope and intent of the instantdisclosure embraces all variations. Consequently, the metes and boundsof the instant disclosure are defined by the appended claims and allequivalents thereof

What is claimed is:
 1. A firing system for a crossbow, the firing systemcomprising: a bowstring carrier, comprising a sear operable between acocked position and an un-cocked position; and a catch operable betweena locked position and an un-locked position; wherein, the sear and thecatch are operatively coupled; the sear is biased towards the un-cockedposition; and the catch is biased towards the un-locked position; and atrigger assembly comprising a trigger operable between a cocked positionand an un-cocked position; and a trigger roller; wherein, the triggerand the trigger roller are operatively coupled; and the trigger isbiased towards the cocked position.
 2. The firing system of claim 1,wherein pressing a bowstring against the un-locked catch concurrentlylocks the catch around the bowstring and cocks the sear.
 3. The firingsystem of claim 2, wherein the sear and the trigger roller areoperatively coupled and the trigger is cocked when the bowstring carrierwith the cocked sear is at a proximal end of the crossbow.
 4. The firingsystem of claim 3, comprising a safety operable between an activatedposition and a de-activated position, wherein pulling the trigger withthe safety de-activated un-locks the catch; and the trigger is inhibitedfrom being pulled when the safety is activated.
 5. The firing system ofclaim 4, comprising a dry-fire inhibitor operable between an activatedposition and a de-activated position, wherein the dry-fire inhibitor isbiased towards the activated position configured to arrest the bowstringif the catch is un-locked without a bolt nocked onto the bowstring. 6.The firing system of claim 4, comprising a safety reset configured foroperating the safety between the activated and de-activated positions,wherein the safety reset de-activates the safety when the bowstringcarrier is displaced from a proximal side of the safety reset to adistal side of the safety reset; and the safety reset activates thesafety when the bowstring carrier is displaced from the distal side ofthe safety reset to the proximal side of the safety reset.
 7. The firingsystem of claim 2, comprising a dry-fire inhibitor operable between anactivated position and a de-activated position, wherein the dry-fireinhibitor is biased towards the activated position configured to arrestthe bowstring if the catch is un-locked without a bolt nocked onto thebowstring.
 8. The firing system of claim 1, comprising a safety operablebetween an activated position (88) and a de-activated position, whereinpressing a bowstring against the un-locked catch with the safetyde-activated concurrently locks the catch around the bowstring and cocksthe sear; and the catch is inhibited from locking when the bowstring ispressed against the un-locked catch with the safety activated.
 9. Thefiring system of claim 8, wherein the sear and the trigger roller areoperatively coupled and the trigger is cocked when the bowstring carrieris at a proximal end of the crossbow with the sear cocked; pulling thetrigger with the safety de-activated un-locks the catch; and the triggeris inhibited from being pulled when the safety is activated.
 10. Thefiring system of claim 9, comprising a dry-fire inhibitor operablebetween an activated position and a de-activated position, wherein thedry-fire inhibitor is biased towards the activated position configuredto arrest the bowstring if the catch is un-locked without a bolt nockedonto the bowstring.
 11. The firing system of claim 8, comprising asafety reset configured for operating the safety between the activatedand de-activated positions, wherein the safety reset de-activates thesafety when the bowstring carrier is displaced from a proximal side ofthe safety reset to a distal side of the safety reset; and the safetyreset activates the safety when the bowstring carrier is displaced fromthe distal side of the safety reset to the proximal side of the safetyreset.
 12. The firing system of claim 1, comprising a pair ofsubstantially parallel rails extending between a proximal end and adistal end of the crossbow, wherein the bowstring carrier is configuredfor sliding along the rails.
 13. The firing system of claim 1,comprising a retractor comprising a strap attached to the bowstringcarrier, wherein the retractor is operable to pull the bowstring carrierto a proximal end of the crossbow and retain the bowstring carrierabutting at least a portion of the trigger assembly; and the retractoris operable to unwind the strap whereby the bowstring carrier isdisplaceable towards a distal end of the crossbow.
 14. The firing systemof claim 1, comprising a dry-fire inhibitor operable between anactivated position and a de-activated position, wherein the dry-fireinhibitor is biased towards the activated position configured to arresta drawn bowstring if the bowstring is released without a bolt nockedthereon.
 15. A firing system for a crossbow, the firing systemcomprising: a bowstring carrier comprising a sear operable between acocked position and an un-cocked position; and a catch operable betweena locked position and an un-locked position; wherein, the sear and thecatch are operatively coupled; the sear is biased towards the un-cockedposition; and the catch is biased towards the un-locked position; atrigger assembly comprising a trigger operable between a cocked positionand an un-cocked position; and a trigger roller; wherein, the triggerand the trigger roller are operatively coupled; the trigger is biasedtowards the cocked position; and the trigger roller and the sear areoperatively coupled when the bowstring carrier with the cocked sear isat a proximal end of the crossbow; and a dry-fire inhibitor operablebetween an activated position and a de-activated position, wherein thedry-fire inhibitor is biased towards the activated position.
 16. Afiring system for a crossbow, the firing system comprising: a bowstringcarrier comprising: a sear operable between a cocked position and anun-cocked position; and a catch operable between a locked position andan un-locked position; wherein, the sear and the catch are operativelycoupled; the sear is biased towards the un-cocked position; and thecatch is biased towards the un-locked position; a trigger assemblycomprising a trigger operable between a cocked position and an un-cockedposition; and a trigger roller; wherein, the trigger and the triggerroller are operatively coupled; the trigger is biased towards the cockedposition; and the trigger roller and the sear are operatively coupledwhen the bowstring carrier with the cocked sear is at a proximal end ofthe crossbow; and a safety operable between an activated position and ade-activated position.
 17. A firing system for a crossbow, the firingsystem comprising: a bowstring carrier comprising a sear operablebetween a cocked position and an un-cocked position; and a catchoperable between a locked position and an un-locked position; wherein,the sear and the catch are operatively coupled; the sear is biasedtowards the un-cocked position; and the catch is biased towards theun-locked position; a trigger assembly comprising a trigger operablebetween a cocked position and an un-cocked position; and a triggerroller; wherein, the trigger and the trigger roller are operativelycoupled; the trigger is biased towards the cocked position; and thetrigger roller and the sear are operatively coupled when the bowstringcarrier with the cocked sear is at a proximal end of the crossbow; adry-fire inhibitor operable between an activated position and ade-activated position, wherein the dry-fire inhibitor is biased towardsthe activated position; a safety operable between an activated positionand a de-activated position; and a safety reset configured for operatingthe safety between the activated and de-activated positions.
 18. Thefiring system of claim 17, wherein pressing a bowstring against theun-locked catch with the safety de-activated concurrently locks thecatch around the bowstring and cocks the sear.
 19. The firing system ofclaim 18, wherein pulling the trigger with the safety activated inhibitsthe catch from un-locking.
 20. The firing system of claim 18, whereinthe trigger is cocked when the bowstring carrier with the cocked sear isat the proximal end of the crossbow.
 21. The firing system of claim 20,wherein pulling the trigger when the bowstring carrier is at theproximal end of the crossbow with the safety de-activated un-locks thecatch.
 22. The firing system of claim 21, wherein the dry-fire inhibitorarrests the bowstring.
 23. The firing system of claim 21, whereinnocking a bolt onto the bowstring prior to pulling the triggerde-activates the dry-fire inhibitor.
 24. The firing system of claim 17,wherein pressing a bowstring against the un-locked catch with the safetyactivated inhibits the catch from locking.
 25. The firing system ofclaim 17, wherein the safety reset de-activates the safety when thebowstring carrier is displaced from a proximal side of the safety resetto a distal side of the safety reset; and the safety reset activates thesafety when the bowstring carrier is displaced from the distal side ofthe safety reset to the proximal side of the safety reset.
 26. Thefiring system of claim 17, comprising a retractor comprising a strapattached to the bowstring carrier.
 27. The firing system of claim 26,wherein the retractor is operable to pull the bowstring carrier to theproximal end of the crossbow and retain the bowstring carrier abuttingat least a portion of the trigger assembly.
 28. The firing system ofclaim 26, wherein the retractor is operable to unwind the strap wherebythe bowstring carrier is displaceable towards a distal end of thecrossbow.
 29. The firing system of claim 17, comprising a pair ofsubstantially parallel rails extending between the proximal and distalends of the crossbow, wherein the bowstring carrier is configured forsliding along the rails.